Tag: lifestyle

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community Student Life at VC Study Spots

The Ultimate Study Spot Guide: Ventura College & Local Hidden Gems

Finding a good place to study isn’t always easy. A lot of spots look great at first, but end up having uncomfortable seating, too much noise, no WIFI, or nowhere to plug in your charger. All of that can make it hard to stay focused and actually get work done. To make things easier, I went out to find different study locations around the Ventura College campus and throughout Ventura County. After spending time in a variety of spots, I put together a list of places that are actually worth your time, whether you’re looking for something quiet, comfortable, or just a change of scenery.

Ventura College Campus Study Spots

The library quiet areas and reading room are easily the most reliable study spots on campus. If your goal is to really lock in and focus, this is where you want to be. The second floor is especially quiet with many areas to sit. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and the desks are big enough to spread out your work and study comfortably. The overall environment is calm and peaceful, which makes it easier to stay on task. This is the best option for things like studying for exams, writing essays, or anything that requires full concentration. Rank: #1

The library study rooms are another great option, especially if you need a private space. I noticed the rooms don’t block out noise very well, but if you just need a space to yourself or with a group, this is the spot for you. They come with a large table, outlets, and a whiteboard. The WIFI is just as strong as the rest of the library, and having your own space makes it easier to stay focused for longer periods of time. The only downside is that they aren’t always available and need to be reserved, but when you can get one, they’re one of the best spots on campus. Rank: #2

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) on the first floor is a good middle ground if you don’t mind a little background noise. It’s more of a collaborative space, so people are talking and working together. Because of that, it’s not the best for deep focus, but it works really well for getting assignments done, using computers, or studying. The WIFI is strong, there are plenty of outlets, and you also have access to tutoring and other resources. If you like a space that feels productive but not completely silent, this is a great choice. Rank: #3

The outdoor tables around campus, especially the ones farther away from the main walkways, are another great option. These spots can be surprisingly peaceful if you choose the right location and time of day. They’re great for casual studying, reviewing notes, or working on assignments when the weather is nice. The downside is that there is no outlets and noise levels can vary depending on how busy campus is. Still, if you find a quieter area, it can be a really good place to stay productive without feeling stuck inside. Rank: #4

Local Hidden Study Spots

Switching to off campus spots, some of these places are a little more hidden and sometimes unpredictable in the best way. And by hidden, I mean those tucked away spots you’d probably walk right past without thinking twice, like small cafes or quiet corners between businesses. I wanted to showcase places you might not usually consider, but once you try them, they end up becoming your go to study spot.

Tree Lounge in Camarillo is a great option if you’re looking for a calm and comfortable place to study. The atmosphere is very relaxed, which makes it easy to focus without feeling overwhelmed or distracted. They offer WIFI and outlets, which makes it a reliable spot for longer study sessions. One thing that really makes this place stand out is that it’s accommodating for students who have kids. There’s a coloring area for children with paper and markers, so it’s a good choice if you need to study but also keep your child occupied. They also have outdoor seating with access to outlets, which is perfect if you want some fresh air while working. It rarely gets too busy, so you can usually count on it being a peaceful and comfortable place to get your work done. Rank: #1

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato in Camarillo is a great study spot, especially if you’re looking for something fun and relaxing. The atmosphere is warm and comforting, which makes it easy to settle in and stay for a while. Inside, the tables are set up with board and card games like chess, checkers, connect 4, and more, which can actually be a nice way to take a break if you’re studying with friends. They also have WIFI and a good amount of outlets. If you want some fresh air or a quieter space, there is an outdoor seating area tucked between the building and a grocery store, which makes it feel more private and less crowded. Overall, this spot works really well for both group study sessions and more relaxed solo work. Rank: #2

Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai in Ventura is another great option if you’re more focused on the overall vibe. its located on Main Street but tucked away at the end of the El Jardin Courtyard, so it feels a bit hidden. The outdoor seating area is really nice and gives the place a cozy, aesthetic feel. But the seating is pretty limited, which can be a downside. they offer free WIFI, but there aren’t any outlets, so it’s not ideal for long sessions if your laptop needs charging. It can also get a little busy, so it’s not the best choice if you need complete silence. Still, if you’re just looking for a comfortable place with good energy to get some work done, this is the place for you. Rank: #3

Valle Lindo Park in Camarillo is a good option if you want a completely different kind of study environment. It’s a very peaceful park with large open grass areas, that are perfect for a picnic style studying session, with long bench tables that work well for groups. The bench areas do require reservations, but the park itself stays pretty quiet overall, especially away from the playground. One thing that helps is that there are rules in place that limit loud music and certain activities, so it doesn’t get too chaotic. There isn’t any WIFI or outlets, so its not the best spot if you need your laptop for a long period of time, but if you just need a calm space to read, write, or review notes, its a great option. Rank: #4

At the end of the day, the best study spot really comes down to what helps you stay focused and comfortable. Everyone studies a little differently, so it’s worth trying out a few of these places and seeing what works best for you. Hopefully, you found a new study spot that you can try out and make your own.

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Advice Beauty & Wellness reading Social Media Student Life at VC

The Sunday Reset Lie: Soft Aesthetics, Hard Expectations

If you’ve ever opened TikTok or Instagram on a Sunday Morning and suddenly felt the urge to get your life together, you’re not alone. What starts as a quick scroll down your “For You Page” can quickly snowball into watching video after video of perfectly curated influencer routines. You might see freshly cleaned rooms with wrinkle-free bedding and matching pillows, elaborate skincare regimens, an iced matcha in aesthetically designed glasses, or a perfectly planned to-do list for the upcoming week outlining tasks to be done in preparation. Sunday resets have become a trending phenomenon, creating more pressure to do more in preparation for the upcoming week and setting unrealistic expectations for the average college student. As viewers engage with these videos, they may find them calming, yet also subconsciously internalize pressure to complete the same tasks within a day and adopt unrealistic expectations of what their lives should look like. 

These types of short -form videos have taken over our feeds, showcasing a mix of productivity and self-care. As we watch these influencer “resets”, we subtly compare them to our own lack thereof. While they may appear to be simple lifestyle content, there is more happening beneath the surface. This trend has contributed to the inauthenticity surrounding the concept of what it means to be an influencer.

Through visually appealing content, the facade of “relatable” habits, and subtle product placements, these routines do not truly inspire viewers to replicate them— they instead influence consumers to purchase featured products while simultaneously creating pressure for the average person. What were once simple, mundane tasks have been transformed by social media, reshaping the meaning of productivity and giving rise to an unrealistic and unattainable lifestyle over time.

So, why are we addicted to watching this niche genre of videos when there is such an absence of reality?

For Gen- Z viewers such as myself, the “Sunday Reset” trend resonates so hard because it hits the holy trifecta of productivity, self-care, and aesthetic lifestyle content— all without feeling overwhelming due to it’s calming combination of visually appealing clips and carefully chosen audio. This draws us in as an audience, creating a sudden urge of motivation as we think, “Hey, if they can do it, so can I!” However, achieving this sense of accomplishment comes with potential downsides when attempting to replicate what these influencers have done. The average college student doesn’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire day to household tasks, a 10-step skincare routine, or purchasing overpriced groceries and meticulously organizing each item. In reality, we can often complete a portion of these activities while juggling the unpredictability that is life. Time and time again, these influencers live up to their title, as their content is primarily meant to be consumed rather than realistically replicated from a college student’s perspective. 

The real kicker of the “Sunday Reset” trend and its high performance on our feeds is the “soft selling” embedded through influencer-generated content and the products they subtly incorporate into their routines. I’ve fallen victim to a few of these products— such as skincare or household gadgets— because I was drawn watching them being used in real time, often paired with a trendy song playing in the background. That combination creates a powerful setup that encourages audiences to purchase without hesitation. It’s easy to see how absorbed we can become, especially given how accessible it is to buy the items featured in these videos. Much of this is driven by features like the TikTok Shop, where a simple tap allows you to continue watching a video while adding items to your cart. Instead of explicitly saying “buy this,” influencers seamlessly embed products into their routine, shifting the message from a clear promotion to something that feels like a natural part of their lives. Gen- Z viewers, who are often wary of traditional advertising, tend to distrust anything that feels overly promotional. As a result, soft selling comes across as more authentic and unscripted, reinforcing trust in the influencers they follow. This relationship- building between influencer and follower creates a domino effect, leading the follower to become a frequent consumer of the promoted brand.

Targeted ad of under eye patches found on the TikTok Shop
Targeted ad of a supplement powder found on the TikTok Shop

To piggyback on the strong effects of “soft selling,” influencers carefully curate their image to align with their niche, aesthetic, and branding. They achieve this through neatly arranged products, cohesive color palettes, minimalist setups, and bright lighting. This visual clarity brings a sense of calm to a chaotic feed, encouraging viewers to stop and watch — often without realizing how much time has passed. Much of “Sunday Reset” content taps into these polished, effortless vibes such as glowing skin (as a result of an elaborate skincare routine), athlesuire outfits for casual outings like getting iced coffee, and ASMR-like clips cleaning and organizing their environment. All of these elements subtly communicate the idea that “this is what having your life together looks like.” That image is then perceived as both inspirational and attractive, while capturing the audience’s attention and keeps them coming back for more. 

Influencer @amandaedins on TikTok
Aesthetic/Inspo account @dollicqte on TikTok

While “Sunday Reset” content is meant to feel calming and productive, it can also set an unspoken standard for what a “successful” day should look like. For majority of viewers, such as community college students, that standard isn’t realistic in a weekly basis. We have to manage our time carefully across multiple responsibilities— completing assignments, working shifts, and maintaining a social life. Instead of feeling motivated, some people end up experiencing guilt, telling themselves, “I didn’t do enough today” or “My life doesn’t look like that.”

This creates a harmful cycle in which content intended to inspire leads to comparison and self-doubt. These influencers “resets” function as highlight reels, presenting a highly curated version of their lives and creating a disconnect from reality. By turning self-care into performative tasks, they can make everyday activities feel like obligations tied to fitting into an idealized lifestyle. Before we know it, rest and relaxation becomes scheduled, and Sundays are filled with stress instead of serving as time to recharge. In this way, even “soft” productivity trends can add to the mental load rather than relieving it. 

After posting an Instagram story questionnaire asking what typical Sundays look like for Gen-Z community college students, these were a few responses I had received. 

“Grabbing a matcha, grocery shopping and finding somewhere to watch a sunset! This is what a Sunday of protecting my peace looks like,” said Julia Lopez, a former graduate of UCI.

Another contributor said “Bedrot,” which is a slang term for spending an extensive amount of time in bed— that involves scrolling on your phone, watching shows, or simply doing nothing. 

Valeria Montes, a community college student attending Ventura College stated how “spending time with relatives,” is a typical Sunday activity she stresses the importance of. 

“Going to the gym, [walking my] dogs, [hanging] out with friends,” was another response submitted by Grace Pacheco, a former graduate of SDSU.

At the end of the day, the “Sunday Reset” craze reflects exactly what it is: simply a trend that will pass as the next big thing emerges.  As community college students, we can navigate this tone-deaf phenomena by recognizing its disconnect from reality. We understand that influencers spend hours curating these videos and are not authentically portraying what their lives actually look like. Instead of striving for perfection, the concept of a “reset’ should be tailored to our lives— focusing on how we can take care of ourselves, mentally and physically, to the best of our abilities. 

Check out https://www.instagram.com/calmlivingdiary?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== for a fresh perspective of realistic self-care, reminders for when you need it most, and viewing content that will inspire you to live softly under your own terms 🙂

I decided to give this trend a try and created a TikTok for what a Sunday looks like in my life, filmed clips of the activities I had done, while putting my own flare to the music choice and how I edited it as something others can say “Hey, my days kind of look like that too!”

Next time Sunday rolls around and you find yourself struggling to do a couple errands, household chores, or getting on track before the new week arrives, here’s a playlist to fuel those tasks you’ve been putting off!

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Fashion & Retail Student Life at VC

Going Secondhand: A Smart Choice for College Students

Fast fashion is everywhere. Stores are always putting out new clothes, and the prices are cheap, so it’s easy to keep buying. But all that buying creates a lot of waste. The fashion industry throws away millions of tons of clothing every year, and most of it ends up in landfills.

As college students, we’re always trying to save money but still look good. Thrifting helps with both. It’s affordable and it’s better for the planet.

When you shop secondhand, you’re giving clothes a second life. Instead of being thrown away, someone else gets to use them. That means less waste and less demand for new clothing to be made. Even small changes, like buying a few thrifted pieces, can make a difference.

One VC student said, “I started thrifting to save money, but now I love finding unique pieces you can’t get anywhere else.”

Thrifting is also great for your budget. You can find good quality and name brand clothes for way less than retail prices. When you’re paying for tuition, rent, and food, that really helps.

In Ventura County, there are a lot of places to thrift. Stores like Goodwill and The Salvation Army have great options, plus there are local resale boutiques around the area.

Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive or boring. Thrifting shows that you can look good, save money, and help the environment at the same time.

Next time you need something new, try a thrift store first. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.

Check out this video of one of my thrift hauls where I scored some fashionable and trendy clothes, giving them a second chance in life:

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Arts & Entertainment Beauty & Wellness

3 Interesting stores to visit in LA

This past week I went to Fairfax and Melrose in LA just to visit a few stores that I enjoy going to when I’m out there. Melrose and Fairfax or streets in Los Angeles, that are known to have many fashion retailer stores on the streets whether its secondhand designer, buy, sell, trade stores, independent fashion companies, or just designer retailers. Wherever you go on Melrose and Fairfax you are bound to find something new and unique whether it’s a food place, record shop, or even a clothing store.

1. Brain Dead Studios

if you enjoy high-quality fabrics and unique designs, then you might want to go check out Brain Dead Studios. They are located on Fairfax and their shop is very unique. Not only is it a showroom for their product but it also has a theater in the building where they hold movie nights. You can visit their website to see what movies they are going to be showing how much tickets cost. With having the movie theater in the same building, they also own their own concession stand where customers can buy drinks, food, and Eivan shirts that are specifically designed for Brain Dead Studio’s movie theater. In addition to the movie theater, they also have their own café outside in the back of the building. Brain Dead Studios is a store that has more to offer than just clothes.

2. Heaven by Marc Jacobs

Heaven by Marc Jacobs is a very unique and store that I always enjoy visiting. They have such unique designs when it comes to their jewelry. Their clothes are very eye catching and their other accessories such as their bags are so pretty. I personally love going to this store not only for their products but also to see the other brands they carry. Instead of only selling their products they also sell different brand’s items as well. One of my favorite smaller brands that they carry is Gen 2. Gen 2 is ran by one of the employees who works at Heaven by Marc Jacobs. During my visit, I got to talk to Julia and Shannon, who are employees at the store. I asked them a few questions such as what made them want to work at Heaven. Julia replied, “ I had previous experience in high retail in the environment seemed pretty laid-back. I also really like the customers in the type of customers that come in. I like that the store attracts a more younger crowd.” Shannon said, “ I used to come to the store a lot when I first moved here and I wanted to work somewhere that was more fun and also somewhere I actually want to be at. I came in one day and asked if they were hiring. It was just the right place right time.” I also asked which item in the store is their personal favorite item. Julia responded, “ A few of my favorite items in the store right now is our D squared vintage hat and the Heaven camo dress. It’s funny because when I first started here, I wanted that camo dress so bad that after I started, I ended up getting that as my first purchase.” Shannon said, “ My favorite item in the store are the brown Margaret boots. I really like those boots because they kind of remind me more of a cowboy style. I wanted them so bad when I was living in Texas.” I enjoyed talking to the employees every time I come in because they’re so friendly and helpful when it comes to finding the right pieces to buy.

3. 2nd Street

2nd Street is a store that buys from people who come in and sell their clothes and either offers them a percentage back in trade or cash. 2nd Street specializes in streetwear, high end designer brands, and vintage. The store has an item for everybody, whether a person is looking for something cheap and up to trend or a little on the pricier side for higher name brand items. I enjoyed looking through their vintage section because they have a good variety of different T-shirts, hats, outerwear, and jeans for a decent price. I’ve seen their other sections such as their designated racks for their higher and items, like Balenciaga and they have a great variety that’s not priced too bad. You could find items from all over at 2nd Street. Pieces from the last two stores I talked about will sometimes pop up here. This is a great store to go to when you’re looking for something that you don’t know what that something is yet because you can get lost in the items this store has curated.

These are just three stores that I mentioned you can find on Melrose and Fairfax. There are so many other shops out there that I could talk about, but I really enjoy going to these three. I have picked up pieces from these stores that caught my eye and I’ve gone to events at these stores and enjoyed myself during that time.

If you would like to see my last experience, going to these stores feel free to click here to watch my review of these stores.

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Beauty & Wellness

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭?

Fashion is a form of self-expression through clothing, accessories, makeup, etc. It isn’t only important because of the fact you express yourself through it, but because it could show something cultural/ historical which could include an iconic piece from the 1800s, a traditional costume, or even a way to express your beliefs. Most importantly, it can help politically when awareness needs to be brought to an issue or situation happening worldwide. An amazing example of this could be the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. Ukranian model Ilona Chernobai attended the event wearing a dress with both colors of the Ukraian flag (blue & yellow), and then she poured herself with fake blood to protest the devastating continuing war happening between Ukraine and Russia.

As the world continues to evolve in every aspect of fashion, these are a couple of the trends I believe will be coming this summer. From high-end luxury to everyday affordable wear, the upcoming trends for the hot, fresh, and tropical weather. Get ready to meet the next big things this summer season!

𝐁𝐨𝐡𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜

This style combines bohemian and hippie fashion influences. It’s a relaxed and free vibe with a mixture of dramatic flowing fabrics with neutral & earth tones. This includes vintage pieces, chunky belts, and cowboy boots. The main staple pieces that play a huge role in this style are the chunky, layered statement jewelry and silk scarves to add a touch to it. This style is seen the most in musical festivals like Coachella and EDC.

SHOP HERE:

Freepeople
zara
zhenabia

𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬

For women, polka dots are back! No matter how big or small, this pattern can be styled in many ways. From playful or sophisticated, it depends on the variety of the occasion. Polka dots are considered classy, fresh, and modern but at the same time retro, depending on the style. They are timeless, and they are back to stay!

Floral prints are the moment for men this spring & summer! They are styled in many ways, as shown in the image above. It could be the whole outfit, or it could be a statement piece to add that bold touch to any outfit. You can find floral prints for everyday wear or more formal, you name it! Shirts, Shorts, Blazers, and etc, floral is ready to give you that boost of confidence.

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Shein
Francecas
CEline

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫

Capri pants are the perfect option for the warm weather while still offering more coverage than shorts for those who appreciate it. They can be used as casual wear or made more formal with some kitten heels and a blouse. Capris are great when you still want to be comfortable because they are often made of breathable fabrics in every color!

Short shorts for men are in! Thank Mr. Paul Pascal for bringing them back. These shorts are perfect for everyday wear; you can use them for sports, casual days, formal evenings- you name it. This summer staple is great for staying cool on hot summer days and staying cool since they are made with lightweight fabrics for comfort.

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URban
Ash & Erie
Society

𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐦

The classic look from the 2000s is back! It’s ready to make a comeback and create stylish and unique looks. This must be basic for many, but it’s a staple piece for every day when you want to run errands or just want to be a bit more stylish with a mix and match of different shades of denim. Denim is the best way to stay comfortable but still look fashionable and make a statement.

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levis
True religion
guess

𝙎𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙎 𝘼𝙍𝙀 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙔𝙒𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀

How can we forget about sports?! Sports jerseys are absolutely everywhere, you can find them not only when watching your favorite sports game but also on the runaway. Vintage and retro jerseys are back and ready to be celebrate or to be upgraded in a more fashionable way! Look at Georgina Rodriguez for a example, she is wearing a custom VETEMENTS jersey gown signed by her partner, Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2024-25 fall/winter show. Wearing sports jerseys are not only for fashion trends, but they are conversation starters and the perfect staple piece to style your outfit from with jeans, skirts or even over layering it for a more creative look! Its a great way to blend streetwear into high fashion by making it a personal and meaningful choice when it comes to choosing your favorite team or player. Say yes to being comfortable, supportive, and fashionable all in one!

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Fanatics
sporting goods

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀᴄᴛ ᴍᴇ